Dentures are a tried-and-true solution for tooth loss, as they simultaneously restore both the appearance and functionality of your smile. Plus, the customizable materials they’re made from are designed to look and feel as lifelike as possible, but they don’t develop decay like natural teeth.
However, bacteria in your mouth and leftover food particles can form plaque on the surfaces of your prosthetics, which can result in a foul odor or bad breath. Continue reading to learn 3 helpful tips for keeping your new teeth clean to avoid developing an unpleasant odor!
Tip #1: Rinse After Eating
Wearing dentures restores a portion of your original bite force so that you can enjoy a wider variety of wholesome foods that support your oral and overall health. With them in place, you can bite and chew food more easily, which makes it easier to swallow and digest.
However, any bits that remain in your mouth can cling to the surface of your new teeth and form plaque. This can eventually penetrate your connective tissues and cause gum disease that can spread to your jawbone, in addition to an icky smell. Taking your dentures out to rinse them after eating helps prevent this.
Tip #2: Brush Them Twice Daily
Although dentures can’t develop tooth decay, that doesn’t mean that you never need to wash them. They can trap bacteria against your gum tissues all day, giving them ample time to penetrate your tender connective tissues and cause problems, such as disease or halitosis (chronic bad breath).
Fortunately, you can help keep your dentures clean by removing them from your mouth both morning and night to thoroughly but gently scrub all their surfaces with a soft-bristle toothbrush and clear dish soap or non-abrasive toothpaste. Remember to use cool or lukewarm water, because hot temperatures might warp the acrylic base so your restoration no longer fits. Then, be sure to gently brush your gums and rinse your dentures before reinserting them.
Tip #3: Soak Them At Night
Have you ever arrived home after a long day so exhausted that you forgot to remove your dentures before crawling into bed? You might not think sleeping in your restoration can hurt you, but it’s not usually recommended. This is because it forms a tight suction against your connective tissues all day, which reduces their circulation.
If your gums never get a break from the pressure of supporting your prosthetic, they can develop sores or blisters, and are more prone to periodontal problems. As a result, most dentists recommend placing them in a glass of room-temperature water or a special soaking solution designed to safely remove germs and maintain their shape without harming the materials.
Following these tips can help keep your dentures fresh and clean so they don’t develop an unwanted odor!
About the Practice
At Painted Skies Dental Center, you and your family benefit from a husband-and-wife dental team eager to help you build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. Drs. Natalie and Ramon Ortiz share more than 20 years of experience providing a comprehensive menu of services to people of all ages, including replacing missing teeth. They utilize state-of-the-art technology to provide comfortable, lifelike dentures designed to look and feel as natural as possible. You can request an appointment on the website or call (575) 521-8720.